One of the most common reasons people delay reaching out is not knowing what will happen once they do. First sessions are often built up in people's minds as something dramatic — being asked to talk about your childhood in detail, being analysed, being expected to cry. None of that is accurate. This post is a plain walkthrough, so you can arrive knowing what to expect.
Before the session
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with the video link, some brief intake paperwork (usually a short form covering the essentials — contact details, GP if you have one, any relevant history), and, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan, a request to email that through.
You don't need to prepare anything else. You don't need to write down your history. You don't need to have your thoughts sorted. Coming with all your usual mess is the point.
The first few minutes
We start the video call. Introductions. A brief check on the technology — can you see and hear me clearly, is your setup private enough. If anything is uncomfortable about the tech, we sort it before we do anything else.
What we actually talk about
The first session is largely me listening. I usually ask an open question — something along the lines of "what's bringing you in?" — and let you answer at your own pace. Some people arrive with a very clear articulation. Others arrive with "I don't really know how to describe it," and that's fine too. We work with whatever you bring.
As we go, I'll ask questions to understand the shape of what's happening — how long it's been going on, what makes it better or worse, how it's affecting your life. I'll also ask about the practical context — sleep, work, relationships, physical health — because these all interact.
What I won't do
I won't push you to talk about anything you're not ready to talk about. I won't ask you to relive difficult events in detail. I won't analyse you or offer premature interpretations. I won't put a label on you in session one. I won't hand you a five-year treatment plan.
Toward the end of the first session
We'll usually spend the last part of the session doing three things:
- Talking about how I work and what therapy with me typically looks like
- Sharing an initial sense of what might be useful — approach, focus areas, anything to think about between now and next session
- Deciding, together, whether to book a next session, and when
You are not committed to continuing after the first session. If it's not the right fit — for any reason — I'd rather help you find someone better suited than have you continue out of politeness.
What to expect emotionally
People often feel a mix of relief and tiredness after a first session. Relief because articulating things out loud is often the first release. Tired because it's real work, even when it's mostly listening on my end. Give yourself space afterwards. Nothing scheduled straight after, ideally.
Practical bits
- Sessions are 50 minutes, via secure video
- You'll need a private space with a reliable connection and a device with camera
- Fees are A$250. Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan. NDIS clients welcome (plan-managed and self-managed)
If you're not ready to book but want to test the water
A free 15-minute intro call is a lower-stakes way to have a first conversation. It's a chance to see how it feels, ask questions, and decide together if it makes sense to book a full session.